Introduction
My fourth grade English Language Learners sometimes lacks the reading abilities for their grade level; however, I still need to teach them using fourth grade standards. Fourth grade reading standards and standardized assessment emphasize reading comprehension. Determining character trait and motivation, and plot development are the main standards that students need to learn. For my unit, I will be using Navajo Oral myths about Changing Bear Maiden. Using Navajo oral myths is an important component of my thematic unit because Navajo children are often exposed to these stories at home and at school. The characters in the stories of oral myths determine the course of the plots of the stories. When oral myths are retold, they are told in a way that there is little mystery involved in recognizing character traits, or character motivation. The only mystery is the outcome, usually coming with a moral to be learned. Graphic Novels with simplified English Version of Othello and Taming of the Shrew will allow the students to practice their reading comprehension. Using a familiar story and using the graphic novels to introduce the fourth graders to the world of Shakespeare will allow students to identify character traits and motivation, and how motivation changes the course of the plot. The students will compare the actions of Tingling Woman with Kate from Taming of the Shrew, and Coyote will be compared to the character Iago from Othello.
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